11 Favorite Gifts for the Houseplant Enthusiast

The winter holidays are a bustling and busy time. Balancing life with the added responsibility of selecting thoughtful and useful gifts for loved ones can be overwhelming. Some folks make it easier on us with their hobbies, like houseplants!

Houseplant enthusiasts are easy to shop for. A new plant or pot is always a welcome gift. But choosing a live plant can be tricky if you’re not a gardener yourself. Don’t despair, there are many other handy tools and useful supplies that help us keep things growing, too. 

We have you covered if you’re looking for the perfect gift or stocking stuffer for the plant lover in your life. Here are some useful and thoughtful gifts that your houseplant enthusiast will enjoy.

Vertical Planter

I’m going to start off big and unconventional. A vertical planter won’t work in every space, but it’s a great way to grow a lot in with a small footprint. This is a great gift for those thinking about growing their own herb garden without leaving the house.

You can place a vertical planter on a balcony or patio, or, with some modifications, inside the home with a basin to catch water. Does your plant-loving sister want to grow salad greens in her kitchen? This pretty pink planter is perfect! 

To keep things tidy, choose a planter with a built-in watering system. A moveable base is also a great idea; rotating the planter will help ensure everything gets the light it needs. 

Moisture Sensor

Do you need a stocking stuffer for the plant daddy in your life? Wrap a few of these cute little water sensors and toss them in there! Water sensors are a fabulous gift for houseplant enthusiasts. These fun gadgets take the guesswork out of watering. 

The most common cause of death for houseplants is fungal rot due to overwatering. It’s much easier to overwater indoor plants because water doesn’t evaporate as quickly inside. You can stick a finger in the soil to see if it’s dry, but that’s messy. Water sensors are a cinch to use. The sensor changes color when the soil is dry—it’s that easy!

Kitchen Compost Bin

Compost isn’t just good for the environment; it’s also great for houseplants. Compost is rich in nutrients that act as fertilizer over long periods. Having some of this great material on hand when re-potting is a major advantage. 

Leaving a compost bin on your counter can get smelly, though, especially if you don’t take it outside daily. The Bokashi Kitchen Compost Bin has a high capacity and an odor solution. After the food scraps go in, sprinkle some Bokashi Bran on top, and you’ll not only control the odor but also start the composting process.

Worm Castings

This isn’t a gag gift, or maybe it is. That’s up to you and the recipient to decide. I’ll say this, my sister-in-law gifted me some worm castings a few years ago, and it was a welcome gift.

Worm castings contain nutrients that boost plant growth, retain moisture, and help fend off pests and diseases. 

While worm droppings may not sound like a great present to a non-plant person, they’re highly useful to a plant lover. And don’t worry—they come in an airtight bag and have less odor than many fertilizers. If the recipient loves the gift, next time, you can upgrade them with a full worm casting set-up. 

Self-Watering Planter

Tired of being the one your sister calls on to water plants when she’s on business trips? For the jet-setting plant lover, a self-watering pot is an amazingly useful gift. For anyone who regularly leaves town for more than a week at a time, it’s simply a must-have. 

The Marley Self-Watering Planter has an attractive, modern, yet natural-looking stone-like exterior. It adapts to the plant and environment, ensuring the right amount of moisture at the right time. Say goodbye to wilted leaves from failing to water and root rot from over-loving plants!

Balcony Box

Some plants are difficult to grow indoors because they need light, temperature, or humidity. A window box places those plants within reach and within sight but still outdoors where they can thrive. It’s a great way to grow some smaller vegetable plants, too!

The Lucca Balcony Box by Bloem has two benefits: it’s cute and easy to install, and it’s self-watering. It comes in classic terracotta and sleek, modern black. It’s BPA-free, so it’s safe to grow herbs and other edibles in, and it’s made in the USA.

Hand Pruners

Trees and shrubs aren’t the only ones that need pruning. Houseplants need the occasional trim, too. If you’ve ever seen your brother trimming his pothos with a pair of kitchen scissors, a sharp set of hand pruners is the perfect gift. This one makes an excellent stocking stuffer as well. 

You don’t need a giant set of loppers for houseplants with tender stems. A compact pruner like the Felco 14 is perfect. Lightweight and compact, these fit in a drawer, and they are easy to use, so they’re great for smaller hands or those with grip issues. Toss a sharpener in that stocking to make sure they stay in tip-top condition. 

Botanical Art Prints

As a plant lover, I like to see them everywhere. Beautiful prints of favorite flowers and vegetables make lovely decor, especially in the kitchen. A beautiful ripe tomato is a welcome sight any time of year, particularly in the chilly winter months. 

For years, gardeners have loved our Botanical Interests seed artwork, so we made some of them into full-sized prints. Candystripe Cosmos is my personal favorite. Those bright, cheery flowers are perfect in my powder room. Your plant-loving bestie will love these wonderful prints. 

Potted Fruit Tree

We have just the thing for the houseplant lover who wants to try growing a fruit tree. You can train many fruit trees to produce fruit while remaining manageable indoors. Make sure your loved one has a brightly lit space to keep this one, as fruit trees need a lot of light. 

Citrus trees make great container plants, and they will thrive indoors with the right amount of sun. The consistent, mild temperature makes these trees happy. Try a lemon or key lime tree, as they can keep this type of tree small and still harvest beautiful and tasty fruits. 

Seeds

Growing from seeds is something many houseplant enthusiasts have yet to try their hand at. It’s a satisfying process, though, and one your recipient just might love. Seed packets are pretty and make great stocking stuffers. Toss some in that self watering pot or vertical planter for an extra little surprise. 

Cacti are interesting to grow, as they take a longtime and require patience. They are also easy to grow, so it’s more of a fascinating waiting game than hard work. Sensitive plants are great for indoors as well!

Plant Themed Apparel

If you’re just not sure what gear they need and what they have, plant themed apparel is fun. There are lots of adorable items available with funny and beautiful designs. Pick up a t-shirt or hat for the plant daddy in your life. Or, send an inspiring message to your plant loving girlfriend!